The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed gastrointestinal illnesses on the cruise ship Anthem of the Seas. Royal Caribbean previously said that there were at least 10 infected passengers. The cruise line company stated the cruise was shortened by two days due to bad weather and not norovirus outbreak.

The CDC later reported that 125 of the 4,061 passengers and 16 of the 1,592 crew members showed signs of norovirus, including vomiting and diarrhea. To be considered an outbreak, at least three percent of passengers must be infected and at this point environmental health officers and epidemiologists will board the cruise ship upon its return.

The CDC reported that the Royal Caribbean did take the necessary steps in order to control the outbreak. This is the fourth norovirus outbreak reported of the year.

Another outbreak was seen on Ocean Princess where 50 passengers and crew members were treated for norovirus. Ocean Princess increased sanitation procedures, took stool samples from passengers for testing, and made daily reports of the illness, all in accordance with the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program.

Stool samples to study norovirus, experts

Researchers from the University of Michigan are collecting stool samples of those with norovirus or who just recovered from norovirus in order to test the samples to potentially develop a cure. Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis, which is caused by contaminated food or beverage, person-to-person contact, or touching surfaces affected by the virus. Outbreaks can occur quite quickly, especially in areas where people are close together, such as cruise ships, retirement homes, or school campuses.

The University of Michigan experienced their own norovirus outbreak a month prior, where hundreds of students were infected and experienced vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nausea.

There is currently no cure for norovirus and studying individuals in a laboratory setting is quite difficult. Much research on norovirus is conducted on mice infected with murine norovirus. Although there is a relationship between murine norovirus and the human norovirus, they are not quite the same.

Study lead Christiane Wobus said, “You can learn a lot from studying murine norovirus, but you want to know what you learn from it also applies and translates to human norovirus. So ultimately we want to directly study the human norovirus.”

So far the researchers have collected three stool samples that may contain the norovirus. The researchers are also working on previous research, which suggests growing norovirus in a lab setting. “You can infect cells in a dish (with the human norovirus) and test whether the compound of interest blocks the infection,” Wobus added.

The previous study only grew one strain of norovirus, so it is up to the researchers to manage to grow multiple strains, but still primarily focus on the common strain of norovirus.

Popular Stories

Advertisement

Related Product

Testimonials

I am letting you know that these are amazing products. I’m delighted with Bladder Rescue and 20/20 Vision. Thank you so very, very much. – A.P.

Healthy Colon is a Bel Marra product which I found very beneficial and will continue using it. I have ongoing digestive issues and wish to keep my colon healthy. I eat healthy foods and help supporting healthy digestion. – G.R.

Liver Rescue has helped give me an overall feeling of good health. Noticed the difference after I started taking the product. – R.P.

Your marvelous products keep me coming back. My eye health is getting much needed support and I would recommend it to anyone wishing to feel younger and with sharper eyes. Thank you. – L.D.

I am 81 years old. I’ve been using Bel Marra for eight years and enjoying them very much, especially The Smart Pill. Honestly, I feel like I’ve graduated from college last spring. In my mind, everyone should use Bel Marra. – J.H.

Health Advice

Follow Us

On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.